New year, new mantra

You’ve heard of mantras, right? Within the practice of meditation and yoga, a mantra is often assigned to practitioners to help bring stillness, peace and present moment awareness to those who chant it. Think of it as a seed for energizing thoughts and focus.

Many people have taken this idea and used it to mean a word or statement that provides guidance. As you face the new year and your list of goals, it might be helpful to heed some important words of advice that can work similarly to a mantra to help you achieve your goals.

While a phrase may stretch the literal idea of a one-word mantra, some phrases are just so spot-on that they’re worth adopting into your daily life. Here are some examples.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Gandhi

You may think that you cannot make much difference in the world. But the truth is that you can. Every act is important, big or small.

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Confucius

We live in a society that is obsessed with immediate results. Instead of beating yourself up for not achieving things as quickly as you would like, take heart in your efforts to try to be consistent.

“Wherever you go, no matter the weather, bring your own sunshine.” Anthony J. D’Angelo

A positive attitude will take you further in life than any manner of success. Learn to be happy, grateful, present and joyful, and you will be more successful than you could have ever dreamed.

“The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr. Seuss

Life is about learning and growing. Make an effort to always acquire knowledge in whatever form it may take, and you will find your life will be rich.

Wherever you go during this year, remember these wise words. Life is about the journey and our struggles along the way. Find your own mantras to help you succeed; then heed those words each and every day.